The Case of Father Robert N. Caparelli Known Assignments 06/1964 - 09/1964 Queen of Peace, Hawley 09/1964 - 09/1967 St. Francis, Nanticoke 09/1967 - 10/1968 Most Precious Blood, Hazleton 10/1968 - 09/1974 St. Mary, Old Forge 09/1974 - 06/1981 Mercy Center, Dallas 06/1981 - 09/1991 St. Vincent, Milford 09/1991 Relieved of Duties 12/1994 Died in state prison

On May 23, 1964, Robert N. Caparelli was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest within the

Diocese of Scranton. Between September, 1967 and October, 1968, Caparelli served as an assistant at the parish of Most Precious Blood in Hazelton. On August 14, 1968, less than four years after Caparellis' ministry began, a letter was sent to Bishop J. Carroll McCormick from a police officer in Hazleton. The officer reported to the Bishop that Caparelli was contributing to the delinquency of two altar boys. These boys were brothers and were 11 and 12 years old. The police officer stated that Caparelli was "demoralizing them in a manner that is not natural for any human that has all his proper faculties." The officer stated that the mother had made the complaint to him, but that he was reporting it to McCormick. He explained that the mother of the victims was afraid to tell the boys' father due to the possible "deadly nature" of the ensuing confrontation.

The policeman closed his letter with an offer to meet with the Bishop or provide additional information, if needed. He noted that there were "other situations" as well. The officer commented that if the situations were not curbed, violence would take place.

257 August 14, 1966 Hazleton, Pa.

J. Carroll McCormick, Bishop Diocese of Scranton Scranton,Pa. 18503 Your Excellency:

May I introduce myself to you. I em a Member of the Most Precious

Blood Church in Hazleton. I am a police officer in the city and very much interested in the well being of the Parishoners as well as the other. citizens in our locale.

The reason I am writing this letter to you is in reference to an assistant in our parish, Reverend Robert Capparelli, It is a known fact that he has contributed -to the delinquency of 2 minor boys, ages 11 and 12,

-- - by demoralizing them in a manner that is not natural for any human that has all his proper faculties. They are 2 brothers that were altar boys and the mother made them quit. The Father doestnt know about this incident and we are and must keep it a secret. The Mother is afraid to tell him fa^ fear of repercussions that would be of a deadly nature. The Nothar had the courage to come to me and tell me of the situation. She is .a Registered Nurse and knows that there is need fbr a Doctor in this case. We all have the greatest resppat for,Mbneignor Mark Mecca and think he is doing a fine

job. We think the should not be burdened with this situation and others that this assistant is responsible for. I would be willing to tell you about the other situations if you so desire. I think action should be taken to curb these situations before violence takes place.

If further explanation is needed, I would be willing to meet with you

at your convenience.

Wishing you geoid health, I remain, Your Shepard,

DS 07527

The Policeman's Letter to Bishop McCormick

258 Three days later, the head pastor of Most Precious Blood contacted McCormick. Father

Mark Mecca had also reviewed the letter that the Bishop had received. Regarding it, he wrote to

McCormick:

I have to say that it expresses the voice of many of my parishioners. I referred this matter to you at Thanksgiving -tide of last year, when I told you that I would try to solve this problem, to relieve Your Excellency of at least one of the many problems. This problem is too big for me. It has grown into something that is unbelievable. In other words all that this gentleman writes is true... but there is so much that is missing, and all very, very serious.

Mecca went on to note that at least one fellow priest, Monsignor Mus sari, simply did not wish to know the details. He noted that Monsignor was aware of at least one area of concern due to his presence when Mecca broached the subject on a previous occasion. Mecca closed his

letter noting, "Your Excellency has definitely noticed that I am under an incubus . . . all on account of some of these things." The Grand Jury noted that "incubus" is a Latin term for "a male demon obsessed with the sexual" and can be a "nightmare known for causing oppression or burden."

259 MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD CHURCH P01.1111,1 AN BEYBMIIT STREETS laxpi

Aug. 17, 1968

Must keV: J. Carroll McCormick, D.D. 300 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, Pa. 18503

Dear Bishop McCormick: Concerning the letter which is enclosed, -.se was sent to you by the parishioner, I have to say that it expresses the voice of many parishioners. I referred -this matter to you at Thanksgiving -tide of last year, when I told you that I would try to solve this problem, to relieve Your Excellency of at least one of the many problems. This prob4lem is too big for me. It has grown into something that is unbelievable.

In other words all that this gentleman writes is true.,. but there is so much that is missing, and all very, very serious. Msgr. Mussari and I were in to talk to you, of different problems of course. (This he does not know of) I wanted to go over some of the things with Your Excellency. One of the topics would be that which I mentioned to your Excellency in the presence of Msgr. Timlin.

If there is need of my meeting with Your Excellency, or with any particular person with some facts to bring light on the subject, these persons can be supplied. In fact one of these is one of my lay -teachers. Your Excellency has definitely noticed that I am under an Incubus- all on account of some of these things. With best wishes always, and reaffirming my deepest devotion to my Beloved Bishop, "/ am

Very sincerely you fn Christ,

Mark A. Mecca

DS 07526

Mecca Reports the "Incubus" On August 19, 1968, another concerned parishioner wrote to McCormick. While noting general concerns about Caparelli's demeanor, the parishioner stated:

We tolerated all this but it is now a known fact in Hazelton that he is demoralizing young boys especially those that serve as altar boys. Many parents have withdrawn them and are being retained not to report him to the juvenile division of the Police Dept. We want to avert scandal. This is the consensus that we would overlook all the former complaints but this last one, may present a tragic situation.

On September 2, 1968, McCormick wrote a secret note that the Grand Jury obtained from the confidential Diocesan archives. McCormick wrote that he had spoken with Caparelli who

"admitted acting too freely with 2 altar boys." Contrary to the reports about him, Caparelli insisted that he did not do anything immoral. While Caparelli agreed that the Bishop had to take action against him, he begged to be assured that he would be able to continue working as a priest in the

Diocese.

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The Bishop's Notes

263 Caparelli was subsequently sent to the Padua Retreat House. An internal Diocesan memorandum from October 1968 noted that based upon Caparelli's version of events, "the mother, a nurse, may have exaggerated." Any child sexual abuse was dismissed as "immaturity" and a change was suggested. McCormick ultimately assigned Caparelli to serve in the parish of St.

Mary's in Old Forge in October, 1968. In 1981, Caparelli was appointed head pastor of St.

Vincent's in Milford.

In 1985, while Caparelli was still in active ministry as head pastor at St. Vincent's, then -

Bishop James Timlin dispatched a memorandum to all priests, religious and lay personnel of the

Diocese of Scranton. The memorandum explained that the Child Protective Services

Act required reporting to civil authorities both "actual and suspected cases of child abuse." The memorandum explained that a report must be made to the head priest of a parish or the superior of a given diocesan institution. The Chancery noted that it stood ready to assist. In spite of this mandate, Timlin permitted Caparelli' s continued ministry and no report was made regarding his conduct.

264 MEMORANDUM

TO All Priests, Religious and Lay Personnel of the Diocese of Scranton FROM: The Chancery RE: Child Protective Services Act DATE: July 23, 1985

The Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Act requires, under penalty, the reporting to civil authorities, actual and suspected cases of child abuse. To ensure compliance with these laws, His Excellency, Bishop Malin, has directed that the enclosed information be transmitted to all persons, parishes, agencies, schools and institutions within the Diocese. This information is submitted in order to update and expand the knowledge and skills which are necessary for effective ministry to and care for children. In institutions of the Diocese which have a familiarity with the Child Protective Services Act, the reporting of suspected cases of child abuse is to follow stated departmental or agency procedures. In situations where the provisions of the Child Protective Services Act have not been implemented, the reporting procedures as defined in the Act are to be followed by the person in charge. In cases of suspected child abuse discovered by a priest the reporting of such suspected incidents is the responsibility of the pastor of the parish. The Chancery is available to assist in offering direction relative to the reporting of such incidents discovered by a parish priest. In cases discovered by a priest in an institution or high school within the Diocese, a report must be made to the superior or principal of that facility. In situations where: an accusation of child abuse, as defined by the Act, is made against any person or agency of the Diocese the following procedures are to be followed: Where established guidelines concerning such institutions are in place the procedures so established are to be followed. Where guidelines have not been established, the person with pertinent information must consult with their immediate superior for direction in implementing the provisions of the Child Protective Services Act. If this information is received by a priest, consultation must be made with the Chancery Office for direction in implementing the provisions of the Act. Any questions relative to the Child Protective Services Act are to be referred to the appropriate head of the agency, school or institution, or to the Chancery Office.

DS 07456

The Mandated Reporter Memorandum

265 Within Caparelli' s personnel file, the Grand Jury found a letter from John M. Quinn,

Esquire. The letter, dated September 3, 1991 and marked received September 6, 1991, appeared to have been shared with the Diocese of Scranton through Bishop Donald Trautman of the Diocese of Erie. The letter suggested a way to reorganize any diocese to minimize recovery by victims of child sexual abuse in the event that "a large judgement is rendered against the Bishop and the

Diocese in a pedophile case." The Grand Jury noted that at that time scores of predatory priests were still in active ministry in the dioceses of Pennsylvania, and one of them was Caparelli.

However, before the end of 1991, Caparelli was criminally charged for the sexual abuse of a child.

266 QUINN-GENT.BUSECK&LEEMBUISINC. Attorney* At Law

Phone: 814/833-77n FAX: 814/8.13-6753 .777? West Grandview Boulevard, Erie, PA 16506-4508

John M. Quinn, Sr. RFCMVED September 3, 1991 SEP 6 1991 George S. Forde, Jr., Esquire Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young s. ; a Y, 2600 One Commerce Square G. S. VUkDE Philadelphia, Pa. 19103-7098 Meeting RE: Agenda matter - Diocesan Attorneys

Dear Mr. Forde:

z have been in extended As attorney for the Erie Diocese, Most Reverend Donald W. discussions with our new Bishop steps which might be taken to insulate Trautman regarding judgment is assets in the event that a large diocesan in a Pedophile against the Bishop and the Diocese rendered all insurance companies As Y am sure you are aware, case. arising out of such have withdrawn coverage for liabilities events. Trautman that two steps be I have recommended to Bishop corporations be created taken: (1) that a number of diocesan responsibility for the management, each of which would have its diocesan assets such as its real estate, etc. of various and its its normal operational activities Endowed Funds, would be the concern corporations. The Ordinary social and he would retain Member of each of the corporations Sole by Canon law to -wit the five responsibilities mandated by-laws, appointment and creation of the corporation and its control over the extraordinary termination of trustees, the the corporation particularly in disposition of assets by and the sole power to amend the by-laws real estate field, The trustees sole power to terminate the corporation. the lay persons having no to the extent possible, would be, actual expertise in connection with the Diocese but having corporation. (2) We are recommending the matters of each for each of Charitable Trust be filed that a Declaration a Declaration of which the ordinary would execute parish by naming the Roman Trust appointing himself as trustee, beneficiary and stating that the as the sole are personal and mixed, (which parish assets, real, the are held solely to carry out accurately identified) would contain a purposes of the Trust. The Trust charitable its assets are not clause which would state that Spendthrift process for non -trust susceptible to any kind of legal

DS 06788 George S. Forde, Jr., Esquire September 3, 1991 Page Two

the assets of the this would insulate purposes. Hopefully parish from execution. to the diocesan that with regard is our conclusion set forth actually It are created as above which Corporations if they do the things for create minutes and corporate hold meetings, would not "pierce the they are created, a court in a Pedophile case. judgment it veil" to satisfy a plaintiff's for the parishes, Declaration of Trust the In the case of the document is filed with that if such a parish exists, is our thought County in which each of Deeds in the. assets against the Recorder even the parish this could well protect levy. of us have about the of the concern all this I believe because on our dioceses, that this type of litigation Attorneys results of item for the Diocesan is an appropriate agenda meeting. letter, it might chance to review this After you have had a can be reached in the you would call me. I at be helpful if or in the afternoons at 814/452-7130 call after mornings away till 9/11, so please 814/833-2222. I will be that date. Very truly yours, INC. QUINN, GENT, BUSECK & LEEMBUIs,

By n M. Quinn, JMQS/jad Donald W. Trautman cc: Most Reverend Bishop

DS 06789

Reorganization to Avoid Liability

268 Following the filing of criminal charges against Caparelli, Timlin issued a statement on behalf of the Diocese of Scranton. The statement announced the Diocese's full cooperation with law enforcement and its own thorough investigation. No comment regarding the Diocese's pre- existing knowledge of Caparelli's criminal conduct was made.

On December 17, 1991, Timlin personally took another complaint from a respected medical doctor and faithful catholic parishioner. The doctor disclosed that he had been a victim of Caparelli's when Caparelli had served at St. Mary's. He reported that he was 11 or 12 years old when Caparelli "sexually molested" him. The doctor reported that there were "other boys involved as well."

269 Second Draft - 12/12/91

Approved by Attorney James E. O'Brien, J and Attorney Mark Chopko

A Statement of the Diocese of Scranton

The Diocese of Scranton normally considers conduct on the fact pert of its priests as an internal matter. However, due to the that, in this most unusual case, criminal charges of child sexual abuse have been brought against a diocesan priest, the diocese

recognizes its responsibility to explain its actions with regard to this matter.

In accord with the guidance of the United States Catholic

Conference, the Diocese of Scranton has implemented a multi -step

approach, once allegations of priest sexual misconduct are raised and

brought to the attention of appropriate diocesan officials. In this

led to case, a prompt, thorough investigation was conducted, which

the immediate suspension of the priest from his duties as pastor of

St. Vincent's Church, Milford. The priest was then sent for

psychological evaluation and intensive treatment at a facility in

Maryland, where he remains at this time.

The diocese offered its full cooperation at all times, in the

course of its own investigation and that of local law enforcement

officials.

Any incident of this nature or any other reports similar to

one incident is it are of intense concern to the diocese. Even

abuse is viewed as tragic. The pain that results from child sexual and the deeply felt by, the victim, the victim's family, the community

Church itself.

DS 07696

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DS 07748

The Diocese's Public Statement and Another Complaint to the Bishop

271 On December 23, 1991, a civil lawsuit was initiated against the Diocese for Caparelli' s criminal conduct. The Diocese aggressively fought back for a period of years before ultimately settling the matter. Timlin specifically took actions to protect the secret archives of the Diocese from legal discovery during the course of the litigation. These actions were taken despite the fact that the plaintiff's complaints were clearly consistent with diocesan knowledge that Caparelli had, in fact, molested the child. The lawsuit alleged that the child had been molested from September,

1985 through June, 1986 in the rectory of Saint Vincent DePaul. Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that Caparelli forcibly sodomized the child.

Catholic parishioners were not pleased at having been endangered and kept uninformed by the Bishops of Scranton. On January 9, 1992, one such parishioner, who attended St.

Vincent's, wrote to Timlin stating:

Your misleading and deceptive tactics by sending a representative to the parish only was a further effort to circumvent the truth and cover up what possibly could be a true situation. To deal with parishioners in this matter as if they have no intelligence is perhaps more of a shock then what is presently facing us. To be dealt with as fools by those we trusted speaks of nothing but further non concern by you and the Diocese of Scranton. The Parishioners "rights to know the truth" has been violated and a distrust of the church and its hierarchy prevails. Perhaps this is even a greater scandal than the immediate crisis facing St. Vincent's parishioners.

272 4440,vta Ftrmt. Ahutm- le* fitt. ; - N g*k.

January , 1992

The Most Rev. Bishop James Timlin Bishop of Scranton 300 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, Pa. 18503

Dear Bishop Timlin:

.'The recent allegations and events concerning the:Rev. Robert Caparelli, former. Pastor of St. Vincent Church, Dingman Hills Penna.., have promptedme to again write to . you. Perhaps you may recall that in September of 1988,1 not only.had a telephone conversation with Father Richards (of -your office), but f011owed'that conversation with a two page letter concerning Father Caparelli's drastic change in behavior and thepossible need for professional help. You never so much as acknowledged the xeceipt of that letter that I took the time to draft oux of concern for this 'troubled man. Perhaps you thought it was a "crank letter from a disgruntledparishioner.. Had you investigated the . matter in 1988; perhaps we, as, a parish family, would not be facing' what we are today in such great proportion.

To haVe to see on TV, read the local headlines; or have some non-Catholic friends approach you about these alleged charges speaks poorly of the concern you have for both Father and the St. Vincent Parish Family keeping us in the dark" about any possible.problems.

Your misleading and deceptive tactics by sending a. representative to .theparig.TilefillrInrir a further effort to circumvent the truth and.cover up what'possibly.could be.a true situation. To deal with the parishioners in this mannet'as. if they have no intelligence is perhaps more of a'shOck than what is presently facing us.

To be dealt with as fools by those we trusted speaks of nothing but further non'concern by'you and the DioceSeTof Scranton. The parishioners "right to know the truth" -has been violated and a distrust of the church andits hierarchy. prevails.. Perhaps this is even a greater.scandal than the immediate crisis fathing St. Vincent's parishioners.

I am angered; not so much -for what may be true allegations. concerning Father.Caparelli, but at you as a leader of the Catholic. Church fot the -way in which-you:dealt.with the situation.

DS 06244 -2 -

Much healing is needed in the parish in order to survive the destruction done, not only by these allegations, but by your total disregard for us as a caring, forgiving parish family.

Very truly yours,

Milford, Pa. 18337

DS 06245

The Parishioner's Letter

274 The letter bore a notation from Timlin, "Never got the first letter! Everything ok - now she understands."

Another letter dated April 6, 1992 was found within the Diocesan records written by a retired captain of the Pennsylvania State Police. He stated that in 1974, a high school friend told him that Caparelli was touching the genitals of his son and others. In response, the captain met with the head pastor and Caparelli. Caparelli was confronted with the complaint that he was molesting children and he admitted that it was true.

The captain informed the head pastor and Caparelli that no one wanted to press criminal charges but that Caparelli' s conduct had to change. The head pastor assured him that he would take care of it. Caparelli was transferred within the year. Diocesan records showed that Caparelli was assigned as a chaplain at the Mercy Center in Dallas in 1974. In 1981, he was transferred again to St. Vincent's as head pastor.

On July 14, 1992, yet another complaint about Caparelli was received by Timlin. The letter advised that Caparelli had abused 10-, 11-, and 12 -year-old boys as far back as 1967 at Most

Precious Blood parish. The writer indicated that he had knowledge of the abuse because he, his brother, and their friends were all victims. The letter stated:

There must have been other reported incidents of abuse in Caparelli' s career. It is inconceivable to me that this man molested altar boys in 1967 and never transgressed until 1991 when he committed 32 counts of indecent exposure, indecent assault, and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with children.

275 AI 14 July 1992

Bishop Timlin Diocese of'Sdranton 309 Wyoming Ave. Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503 diwa. Az. 0t24lAs41.44ffl Dear Bishop Timlin: of the recent conviction of. Reverend I was deeply disturbed to read You of a teenage boy in Milford, Pa. Robert Caparelli for sexual abuse are not alreadythat-Ceparelli-.-aexually_ab_used__ should be aware, if you at Most Precious 11, and 12) as far back as 1967 altar boys (ages 10, my brother and I and a in Hazleton. I know this because Blood Church immediately Upon learning of these number of our friend* were victim*. met with Msgr: together with other parish mothers heinous acts, my mother, that Caparelli be removed. (then pastor of MPB) and, demanded Mark Mecca denied the abuse. Luckily, for both Msgr. Mecca and Caparelli abuse Naturally, up. Upon the next incident of our mothers did not give as altar. our sake, meeting), Alta:other .removed us occurred within days of the The Church (which report Caparelli to the police. boys and threatened to us that Caparelli mother to avoid Such actions, assuring persuaded my not.again be placed in a pomition be sent for treatment and would would yoUng boys. which afforded him access to in CapSrelli's reported incidents of abuse There must have been other molested altar boys.in inconceivable to me that this man career. It is when he committed la counts of never transgressed until 1991. 'sexual 196/ and assault, and involuntary deviate indecent exposure, indecent intercourse with children. and for fell victim to this monster breaks for the boy who boy My heart know first hand the anguish this boy's family. I, unfortunately, family must the of anger, guilt and despair his experienced and the feelings that, in my ease It enddens me terrib;y:to know feel toward their Church. action to end failed to take siffiiiient, if any, (am in his), the Church insteadithe church chose to '"protect or condemn such heinous behavior. children. it is while jeopardizing, the wellrbeing.of:innocent its aots its own" faith in an -institution that by not 'to queation one's difficult and condone. such sinfill behavior. of denial and resistance commit from your I expeot some response do not ignore' this letter. inform the Please is ,incumbent upon you to Purthermore,'I believe it of -this man's office.. bad been-fully.informed boyos family that the Church their precious Milford ago but continued to exposed problem, two and .a half decades child to this evil Man.. .

Si

The Letter of a Victim

276 Over the years, many more victims came forward. Caparelli faced additional charges and ultimately pled guilty to offenses against children and received prison time. While in prison it was discovered that Caparelli had been HIV -positive for years. In December, 1994, Caparelli died while incarcerated.

Timlin and the Diocese of Scranton never fully disclosed the decades of knowledge and inaction that left children in danger and in contact with Caparelli. Press accounts and some limited public statements provided a few details of the abuse while the Diocese largely relied upon excuses related to a claimed lack of understanding of the depth of Caparelli' s problem. The Grand Jury noted that even when no doubt could be left regarding Caparelli's guilt, the Diocese was determined to provide more aid to Caparelli than to his victims. A stunning example of this was found in a letter from Timlin to Caparelli' s sentencing judge in October 1993 following Caparelli's convictions for crimes against children. The letter carbon copied the President pro tempore of the

Pennsylvania Senate, Senator Robert Mellow. In it, Timlin requested that Caparelli be released from prison to a Catholic treatment facility - like those that had so often authorized the return of

Pennsylvania's predatory priests to active ministry - Saint Luke's Institute in and the

Servants of the Paraclete in New Mexico.

277 October 15, 1993

The Honorable Harold A. Thomson Judges' Chambers Pike County Courthouse Milford, Pennsylvania 18337

Your Honor,

It has come to my attention that the Reverend Robert Caparelli is coming up before you for sentencing in the next few days. I write now to assure you that I am willing to make arrangements for Father Caparelli El) to be transferred from Lycoming County Prison to a health care institution approved by you if, indeed, you think this would be feasible and advisable. St. Luke's Institute in Sultland. Maryland, near Washington, D.C., and an institution in New Mexico are two facilities that specialize in these kinds of cases.

Such en arrangement would be a great financial savings for the State Government and it would mean that Father Caparelli would be able to continue his therapy. He would also be able to receive the medical care he very much needs, and he definitely would not be a threat to anyone while he is under the supervision of the authorities in the health care institution.

I would be most grateful to you if you could see your way clear to consider this option.

With every best wish, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Most Reverend James C. Timlin, D.D. Bishop of Scranton de:

DS 06669

The Bishop's Letter to the Sentencing Judge

278